Museums

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The Children's Discovery Museum

We were members for years when Scott was younger, going to the BIG PURPLE BUILDING where they "let you play in the street" almost once a month. Well, the "street motif" is gone, but the newer design provides room for more hands-on exhibits. The Children's Discovery Museum is easily reached by the Light Rail, stopping right in front of the building. Getting there by train doubles the fun. The museum is located on Woz Way, named after Apple Computer's inventor, Steve Wozniak, who was the prime benefactor for the museum. The museum is supported by individual and corporate members.

Children are encouraged to get right in exhibits and think and play with the concepts. Interactive workshops are scheduled for Sunday afternoons. Contact the Children's Discovery Museum for more information. Their phone number is 408-298-5437.

The Tech

Now the Scott's a teenager, The Tech Museum of Science & Innovation is by far the coolest museum in Silicon Valley. Upon entering, he makes a beeline for the submersible robots on the bottom floor.

Second Sunday each month is free admission.

We also like to see whatever movie is playing at the IMAX theater.

If you can't make it to The Tech today, visit their online exhibits and mess around with science for a bit.

The Tech has its fabulous store online for those looking for science stuff for home education. I just wish they had their books in here, too.

The Intel Museum

At the Intel Museum in Santa Clara, you can experience the power of computer chips first hand, and the evolution of their development. Explore the pages of the site and interact with our Web movies to learn more about the museum and computer chips.

Intel Corporation's Robert Noyce Building, Main Lobby
2200 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara, California
95052-8119

408-765-0503

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

Opens Saturday, March 20, 2010.

San Jose Historical Museum

When you've completed your stay at the park and zoo, take the little train over to the San Jose Historical Museum, which is more of a city than a "museum." I think all the historic buildings in the area are hauled here, renovated, and then opened to visitors. Children will like the horse drawn trolley rides and O'Brian's Candy Store. The dentist office will help them appreciate their dentist even more!

 Egyptian Museum

Winchester Mystery House

No feature about area museums would be complete without a note about our most famous tourist trap/historical house. You are kept waiting for the next tour in the gift shop, so it's a bit hard not to spend more than you intended.

Not many remember, but the Winchesters not only invented rifles but also roller skates! One section of the store is dedicated to a "museum" of the inventions of Mr. Winchester. If you stick to this end of the premise before the house tour, you'll have a much less expensive stay.

The mansion was continuously under construction for the life of its owner, Sarah Winchester. I'll let the link tell the story. What is myth and what is fact is frequently debated locally. It's an especially spooky place to visit in October and open all night on Halloween.

San Francisco's Exploratorium

I know, I know, the Exploratorium isn't in Silicon Valley, but it's only about 40 miles away and we're up there so often it FEELS like it's nearby. Membership in the Tech Museum of San Jose also gets you in free here, so what the heck! Go to San Francisco, too. Spend the day dissecting a cow's eye. It's not as gruesome as it sounds. Everyone gets to be a kid and just play with all this scientific "stuff."

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Alviso, within bicycling distance of Milpitas, the Center is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of significant wildlife habitat in South San Francisco Bay, to the protection of endangered and threatened species, to the protection of migratory birds, and to providing opportunities for wildlife oriented nature study and recreation.

More to do in Milpitas Area

I have additional links for historical information and places to visit in "Milpitas History." Also try "Fun" for a list of fun things to do in the Milpitas area.
See also: The Events Calendar